Stop motion apparatus for knitting machines

ABSTRACT

Electrically operated circuit for the control of apparatus of the type used with a knitting machine to automatically stop the machine when yarn fed to the machine is excessively tensioned, then to automatically re-set itself, and then to automatically re-start the machine, the control circuit actuating the conventional stop motion system of the machine to stop the same and actuating the conventional starting system of the machine to re-start the same, the control circuit automatically re-starting the machine only if the machine has first been stopped by the action of the apparatus itself.

United States Patent [191 Levin et a1.

[ Dec. 3, 1974 1 1 STOP MOTION APPARATUS FOR KNITTING MACHINES [76] Inventors: Nathan Levin, 416 Highgate Dr.,

Trenton, NJ. 08618; Thomas Anderson Oliver, Jr., 319 Summit Ave., Jenkintown, Pa.

[22] Filed: Oct. 2, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 402,734

[52] US. Cl. 66/163, 66/161 [51] Int. Cl D04b 35/12 [58] Field of Search 66/157, 158, 160, 161,

66/163, 125; 318/6; 242/28; ZOO/61.13, 61.18

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,055,610 9/1936 Miscon 66/163 2,534,459 12/1950 Lawson 66/163 X 2,594,168 4/1932 Heyne ZOO/61.18 2,654,238 10/1953 Heyne 66/163 2,791,820 5/1957 Spencer 28/51 3,542,309 11/1970 Willis et a1. 66/125 R 3,571,680 2/1971 Tellerman 66/157 X 3,726,113 4/1973 Levin et a1 66/163 Primary Examiner--Rona1d Feldbaum 5 7 ABSTRACT Electrically operated circuit for the control of apparatus of the type used with a knitting machine to automatically stop the machine when yarn fed to the machine is excessively tensioned, then to automatically re-set itself, and then to automatically re-start the machine, the control circuit actuating the conventional stop motion system of the machine to stop the same and actuating the conventional starting system of the machine to re-start the same, the control circuit automatically re-starting the machine only if the machine has first been stopped by the action of the apparatus itself.

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENIL am 31974 sum 1 or 2 STOP MOTION APPARATUS FOR KNITTING MACHINES The present invention relates generally to the art of knitting and more particularly to an electrical circuit for the control of apparatus of the type used with a knitting machine to automatically stop and to automatically re-start the machine, the present invention providing an improvement in such electrical-control circuit whereby the latter actuates the conventional stop motion system of the machine to stop the operation of the same and actuates the conventional starting circuit of the machine to place the same in operations, the present invention also providing an improvement in such electrical control circuit whereby the machine can be automatically re-started by the apparatus only if the machine has first been stopped by the action of the apparatus itself.

Apparatus of the aforesaid type, hereinafter referred to as the re-set apparatus, has a cycle of operations in which it first acts to automatically stop the machine when yarn fed thereto is subjected to excessive tension, which then acts to automatically re-set itself, and which then acts to automatically re-start the machine, the reset apparatus then being ready for a repetition of its cycle of operations. Such cycle of operations of the reset apparatus is fully automatic and is controlled in its operations by a suitable electrical control circuit. The present invention provides an improved electrical circuit to control operations of the re-set apparatus.

The knitting machine, with'which the present re-set apparatus is to be used, is provided with its own conventional electrically operated stop motion system and with its own conventional electrically operated starting circuit. The control circuit of the present invention is connected to such stop motion system and to such starting circuit in such manner that when the apparatus goes through its cycle of operations, the stop motion system of the machine is actuated by the present control circuit to stop the operation of the machine and (after the re-set operation) the starting circuit of the machine is actuated by the present control circuit to restart the operation of the machine.

While it is satisfactory for the re-set apparatus to go through its cycle of operations when the operation of the machine has been stopped by the apparatus itself, i.e., when the apparatus is subjected to excessive tension in yarn being fed to the machine, it is not satisfactory for the apparatus to go through its cycle of operations after the machine has been conventionally stopped, such as by actuation of the conventional stop motion system by a broken or bent needle detector device, a drop wire yarn detector device, etc., and including manual operation of the machine stop button. It is not satisfactory because, with the machine stopped in conventional manner, the re-set apparatus might then be accidentally actuated to go through its cycle of operations with the result that the machine could be automatically re-started at a time when such starting of the machine could be harmful. for instance, when the machine was being repaired or when a fabric roll was being removed from the machine.

It is the object of the prsent invention to provide an improved electrical control circuit for operation of the re-set apparatus wherein the control circuit actuates the machine stop motion system to stop the machine and actuates the machine starting circuit to start the machine, and wherein the control circuit provides that the machine can only be automatically re-started if it has first been stopped by the apparatus itself.

With the above and other objects in view as will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention resides in the elements of construction, arrangement of parts and operation of the improved control circuit of the re-set apparatus for knitting machines, as illustrated and as pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of the re-set apparatus operated by the electrical control circuit of the present invention, only so much of the apparatus being shown as is necessary for an understanding of the operation thereof with the present control circuit, the apparatus shown including an electric motor and a slip clutch for re-setting the apparatus,

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an operating portion of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the position of the re-set apparatus after the motor output shaft has turned 90,

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 after the motor output shaft has turned 180, and

FIG. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram showing the circuitry of the electrical control system of the present invention for operating the re-set apparatus to first automatically stop the knitting machine, then to automatically re-set the apparatus itself, and then to automati-' cally re-start the knitting machine.

The electrical control means of the present invention is used with automatic re-set apparatus of the kind shown in US. Pat. No. 3,726,113 to Levin and Oliver. This type of apparatus acts to automatically stop the machine when there is excess tension in yarn fed to the machine, then acts to automatically re-set itself, and then acts to automatically re-start the machine. While pneumatic means is shown in said patent as being used to re-set the apparatus, the present application shows electrical means in the form of an electric motor to perform the same function, see US. patent application Ser. No. 297,677 to Levin, it being understood that the control means of the present invention may be used either with the pneumatic or with the electric motor resetting means to control the same and the operation of the apparatus.

In the drawings, and as in US. Pat. No. 3,713,308 to Levin, a main shaft 10 extends horizontally through and is supported by a plurality of spaced upright support members 11, the shaft in turn extending through and supporting a plurality of spaced brackets 12 thereon. The brackets in turn support a horizontally extending bar 13 at one end thereof and a horizontally extending secondary shaft 14 at the other end thereof, the shaft 14 extending through the brackets. A plurality of spaced latch assemblies 15 are secured to and extend transversely of bar 13 with each such assembly having a pivotally movable latch 16 disposed in a slot at one end thereof, and with each such latch being spring urged from its full line position to its dotted line position 16a. In its full line position, lower end 16b of each latch is spaced from an electrically conductive strip 17 extending longitudinally along one side of bar 13, the strip being electrically insulated from the bar. The lower ends 16b of the latches, in their dotted line position 16a, are spring urged into electrical contact with the strip. Pivotally mounted upon and extending transversely of secondary shaft 14 is a plurality of spaced yarn arms 18, one for each assembly 15, each arm having a base 18a through which shaft 14 extends and a yarn feeding tube 18b extending from the base. A yarn Y extends from its cone, one for each yarn arm, to and inside the tube through an opening adjacent its free end and out of the free end of the tube on its way to the knitting machine. The base 18a is provided with a later ally projecting latch pin 18c which is adapted to fit into a retaining notch in latch 16 to hold the latter in its full line position when the yarn arm is latched in its full line position of FIG. 1.

When there is excessive tension on yarn Y, the latter exerts a turning force upon arm 18 to turn the same thereby causing latch pin 180 to free itself from the notch in the latch 16 and causes the arm to turn about shaft 14 to its dotted line position in FIG. 1. Latch 16 is then spring pressed to its dotted line position 16a in which end 16b thereof is forced into electrical contact with strip 17, such electrical contact serving to start the operation of the present control circuit for the re-set apparatus. The operation of the control circuit will be fully described in connection with FIG. 5, as it stops the machine, as it causes an electric motor, shown at 19, to be started to re-set arm 18, and as it re-starts the machine.

The motor 19 is suitably secured to a plate 19a which in turn is suitably secured to upright 11. The motor is preferably geared down so that its output shaft 20 turns at about revolutions per minute. One end of a crank arm 21 is fast on the end of the shaft and extends normal thereto, its other end having a stud 22 secured therein and extending outwardly therefrom in parallel relation to the shaft. The stud extends transversely through a lengthwise extending slot 23a formed in the lower end of a lengthwise extending slip clutch member 23. The stud extends freely through the slot and through a pair of floating friction discs 24, 24, of suitable material, one disc being betweenarm 21 and the clutch member and the other disc being between the clutch member and a coil spring 25 encircling the stud, the spring being adjustably compressed by a lock nut 26 threadedly engaged with the outer end of the stud. As tension upon the spring is varied, the force exerted upon clutch member 23 by the friction discs 24, 24 varies accordingly. Also positioned on and extending normal to shaft 20, between arm 21 and the motor housing, is a cam 27 which may be made fast to the shaft in any adjusted angular relation thereto. Generally, the cam is positioned so as to extend perpendicular to crank arm 21 and to be horizontal when the arm extends vertically downwardly in its zero position of FIG. 1. In such position the cam acts upon and holds down switch arm 28a of a micro-switch 28 in its electrically open position. The micro-switch is preferably secured to the free end face of the motor housing or it may be supported upon the apparatus in any other suitable manner.

The upper end of clutch member 23 is pivotally connected by means of a suitable stud 23b to one end of a lever 29 extending transversely of and mounted upon shaft 14 for free rocking movement thereon. A longitudinally extending re-setting shaft 30 extends through and is fast to the other end of lever 29, the re-setting shaft being fast to and being similarly supported by other rocking levers spacedly supported on shaft 14. A stop 31 is provided to limit the rocking movement of lever 29 in clockwise direction, FIG. 1, the stop being positioned in and extending laterally from bracket 12 into the path of the lever. Preferably, the stop 31 is placed so that when the knitting machine is operating, the clutch member 23 is substantially vertical, the crank arm 21 extends vertically downwardly, and the cam 27 is in its operative contact with the microswitch.

The motor is started by the control circuit of the present invention after contact is made between latch 16 and strip 17. While the motor may be made to turn in either direction, preferably it is caused to turn counterclockwise, FIG. 1, and after of rotation the affected parts will be in the position of FIG. 3 wherein lever 29 has been partially turned to move re-setting shaft 30, and micro-switch 28 will be in its electrically closed position since the switch arm 28a has been released by the removal of cam 27 therefrom. After the parts will be as in FIG. 4 with lever 29 fully turned and with re-setting shaft 30 in its dotted line position having acted upon base 180 of yarn arm 18 to turn and to re-set the same in its full line position, FIG. 1. Resetting of the yarn arm causes pin 180 to move latch 16 to its full line position, out of electrical contact with strip 17. However, at this time micro-switch 28 is still in its on position and motor 19 continues to turn 180 further until cam 27 presses on the switch arm 28a to place the micro-switch in its off position to stop the motor after one full turn thereof. The parts will once again be in their position of FIG. 1. If arm 18 is re-set during the first revolution of the motor, then the motor will make but one revolution, however, if the arm is not re-set during such first revolution (due to the yarn being caught and the clutch slipping as a result thereof) then the motor will continue to rotate. Re-setting of the arm 18 will be attempted during each of following rotations of the motor, and if it is successful, then the motor will stop at the end of the rotation in which the resetting takes place and the machine will be re-started. However, if the re-setting is not successful during a number of motor rotations in a given time, then the motor will stop and no further attempt will be made by the apparatus to re-set itself, instead the attention of an operator will be needed. After such motor stoppage, a red light 34, conveniently mounted upon the underside of the motor housing, is intermittently lit, about 60 to 70 times per minute, to draw the attention of an operator to the stopped condition of the machine.

It will be noted, FIG. 4, that the distance 32 (which is the length of crank arm 21 between the centers of shaft 30 and stud 22) is greater than the distance 33 (which is the vertical distance between the center of shaft 14 and the center of pin 23b at its highest position), as a result of slippage in one direction between friction discs 24, 24 and member 23, on its upstroke, as resistance to further turning of lever is encountered on the upstroke at the end of the first half revolution of the motor when shaft 30 is kept from further movement by its dotted line position on base 18a after the arm has been fully latched up. Similarly, at the end of the second half revolution of the motor, there is compensating slippage in the opposite direction between member 23, on its downstroke, and friction discs 24, 24 when lever 29 reaches its stop member 31 and further turning of the lever is prevented thereby. The tension on spring 25 is adjusted so that the clutch will also slip in the event that a yarn is caught, thereby preventing such yarn from being broken as the motor rotates. In the latter event, such clutch slippage will prevent resetting of the apparatus while the yarn is caught.

The control circuitry for operation of the re-set apparatus and the knitting machine is shown in FIG. 5 wherein the squares marked A through M indicate conventional electrically operated relays of which A, B, C, D, F, G, I, J and L are relays each having an electromagnetic coil operable upon a double pole double throw switch to move the latter from a first to a second position when the coil is energized, the switch returning to its first position when the coil is de-energized. The squares E, H and K indicate conventional time delay relays each having a thermal coil operable upon a thermally actuated switch to move the latter from normally open to closed positions in a given time (for example, 2 seconds for relays E and H and seconds for relay K) after the coil is energized, the switch returning to open position in a like time after the coil is deenergized. The square M indicates a conventional flasher or intermittent relay having a thermal coil operable upon a thermallyactuated switch to move the latter from normally closed to open positons after the coil is energized, the switch returning to closed position after the coil is de-energized, and, since the coil is energized through the switch in closed position, the coil is intermitently energized and de-energized resulting in corresponding intermittent opening and closing of the switch. The operating voltages for the relays may be chosen as a matter of convenience (except for relay l as will be explained) and a relatively lowvoltage of 12 or of 24 volts is preferably used. The operating voltage of relay i will depend upon and should be equal to the line voltage of a pre-selected running circuit of the knitting machine to which the coil of this relay is connected, as will be further explained.

Relays A, B, C, D, F, (3,], J and each have eight numbered terminals 1 through 8 of which terminals 2 and 7 are connected to opposite ends of the electromagnetic relay coil, terminals 1 and 8 are connected to the opposite 'arms of the double pole double throw switch, terminals 4 and 5 are connected to the normally closed side'of the switch, and terminals 3 and 6 are connected to the normally open side of the switch. That is, when the coil in each such relay is not energized terminal l is connected to terminal 4 while terminal 8 is connected to terminal 5, and, when the coil is energized the switch is moved so that terminal 1 is connected to terminal 3 while terminal 8 is connected to terminal 6.

Relays E, H and K each have terminals 2' and 3' which are connected to opposite ends of the thermal relay coil and terminals 5' and 7' which are connected to opposite sides of a thermally actuated time delay switch in normally open position. The switch moves to closed position in a given time (2 seconds for relays E and H and 10 seconds for relay K) after the coil is energized and the switch returns to its open position in a like period of time after the coil is de-energized.

Relay M has terminals 2' and 3' which are connected to opposite ends of the thermal relay coil and terminals 5' and 7 which are connected to opposite sides of a thermally actuated time delay switch in normally closed position. The. switch moves to open position immediately after the coil is energized and returns to its closed position after the coil is de-energized, the coil being energized each time the switch is in its closed position and being de-energized each time the switch is in its open position. Relay M is preferably chosen so that its switch is closed about 60 to times per minute.

The circuitry includes a red indicator light 40 and a green indicator light 41 in addition to the red flasher indicator light 34, the light 41 being lit when the machine is running, the light 40 being lit when the apparatus is being re-set, and the light 34 being intermittently lit when the apparatus has failed to re-set itself. The motor 19, the micro-switch 28 and the cam 27 are schematically included in the circuitry, showing cam 27 in position of rest holding switch arm 28a in open position against the closing action of spring 28d with terminal 28c of the switch arm spaced from its other terminal 28b. When the motor has been started and after cam 27 turns less than spring 28d acts to move the switch arm to its closed position shown indotted lines wherein terminal 280 makes contact with terminal 28b. Upon completion of a motor revolution, cam 27 once more acts on the switch arm to space its terminals 280 and 28b. Each latch 16 and the contact strip 17 are shcematically included in the circuitry with the latch shown as being grounded. Also included schematically in the circuitry is the conventional go or start switch of the machine as shown at 42, the switch being held in its full line open position by a spring 42' and being shown in its closed position in dotted lines. A running circuit of the knitting machine is also schematically included as at 43, as is the conventional stop motion apparatus and circuit of the knitting machine which is schematically shown at 44, the latter being grounded. The running circuit of the machine may be any circuit thereof, such as the circuit used to start and stop the machine oiling apparatus, which is energized when the machine is running and which is de-energized when the machine is stopped. The conventional stop motion. of the knitting machine is one which may be energized for actuation by needle detectors, fabric hole detectors, yarn runout detectors, drop wire detectors, full roll detectors, gate detectors, excessyarn tension detectors, etc.', and includes actuation of the machine stop button switch. in addition, the circuit includes a manually operated double pole single throw switch 45 having terminals 46, 47 and 48, 49, a manually operated single throw single pole switch 50 having terminals 51, 52, and a manually operated switch 53 having terminals 54, 55 which are normally held in closed position in contact with each otherby a spring 53a. Power is supplied to the circuitry by means of a suitable transformer T which transforms the input voltage across power lines V to the desired output voltage across lines V of which one line goes to ground while the other line first passes through a fuse box F and then, as shown by line 56, is connectted into the circuit to supply operating power thereto.

in relay A, terminals 1, 7 and 8 are connected to line 56. Terminals 2 and 3 are connected to the opposite terminals of light 40, terminal 2 also being connected by line 57 to one arm of switch 45 and to terminal 48 thereof. Terminal 6 is connected to terminal 2' and 5' of relay E by line 58, and terminal 4 is connectd to terminal 1 of relay B. Terminal 5 is not connected to anything.

Light 41 has one of its two terminals connected to line 56 by line 59 while its other terminal is connected by line 60 to switch 50 and to terminal 51 thereof. Terminal 52 of switch 50 is grounded.

In relay B, terminals 7 and 8 are connected to terminal 6 of relay I by line 61, while terminal 2 is connected to line 56 by line 59. Terminal 6 is connected to one arm of switch 45 and to terminal 46 thereof while terminal 3 is connected to terminal 8 of relay D by line 62. a

Terminal 1 is connected as above set forth. Terminals 4 and are not connected to anything.

In relay C, terminal 8 is connected to terminal 47 of switch 45. Terminal 5 is connected to terminal 8 of relay L by line 63. Terminals 1 and 3 are connected by lines 42a, 42b to the pair of lines leading to the opposite pair of terminals of switch 42. Terminal 7 is connected to terminal 7 of relay H by line 64. Terminal 2 is connected to line 56 by lines 65 and 59. Terminals 4 and 6 are not connected to anything.

In relay D, terminal lis grounded. Terminal 7 is connected to line 56. Terminal 2 is connected to strip 17 by line 66. Terminal 5 is connected to terminal 2 of relay H by line 67. Terminal 3 is connected to terminal 7 of realy G and to terminal 49 of switch 45 by line 68. Terminals 4 and 6 are not connected to anything. Terminal 8 is connected as above set forth.

In relay E, terminal 3' is grounded. Terminal 7' is connected to terminal 5 of relay K and to terminal 1 of relay L by line 69. Terminals 2 and 5 are connected as above set forth.

In relay F, terminals 4 and 8 are grounded. Terminal 1 is connected to terminal 8 of relay G and to the stop motion circuit 44 of the machine by line70. Terminal 7 is connected to line 56 by lines 59, 65 and 71. Terminal 2 is connected to terminal 51 of switch 50 by line 72. Terminal 6 is connected to terminal 5 of relay L by line 73. Terminals 3 and 5 are not connected to anything.

In relay G, terminal 6 is grounded. Terminal 2 is connected to line 56. Terminals l, 3, 4 and 5 are not connected to anything. Terminals 7 and 8 are connected as above set forth.

In relay H, terminals 3' and 5' are grounded. Terminals 2' and 7' are connected as above set forth.

In relay I, terminal 2 is connected by line 43a to one line of machine circuit 43 while terminal 7 is connected by line 43b to the other line thereof. Terminals l, 3, 4 and 5 are not connected to anything. Terminals 6 and 8 are connected as above set forth.

In relay J, terminal 1 is connected to line 56. Terminal 2 is grounded. Terminal 3 is connected to one terminal of motor 19 (the other motor terminal being grounded) and to terminal 28b of switch 28a of microswitch 28 by line 74. The other terminal 28c of switch 280 is connected to line 56. Terminal 7 is connected to terminal 2' of relay K and to terminal 4 of relay L by line 75. Terminals 4, 5, 6 and 8 are not connected to anything.

In relay K, terminal 3 is grounded. Terminal 7' is connected to terminal 3 of relay L, to terminal 7' of relay M, and to terminal 54 of switch 53 by lines 76, 77. Terminal 2' and 5' are connected as above set forth.

In relay L. terminal 7 is grounded. Terminal 2 is connected to switch 53 and to terminal 55 thereof. Terminals 3 and 6 are not connected to anything. Terminals l, 4, 5 and 8 are connected as above set forth.

In relay M, terminal 3' is grounded. Terminal 2' is connected to terminal 5 and to one terminal oflight 34 by line 78, the other terminal of light 34 being grounded. Terminal 7 is connected as above set forth.

Describing in detail the operation of the circuitry of FIG. 5. When the machine is running normally, with switches 45 and 50 in their closed positions, all of the relays, with the exception of relays F and I are in deenergized condition. The light 41 is lit because switch 50 is closed. The coil of relay I is energized with power obtained from the running circuit 43 of the machine (connected to terminals 2 and 7 of relay I) with the result that this relay is actuated to close the circuit between its terminals 6 and 8. The coil of relay I is energized each time the machine starts, it remains energized while the machine is running and is de-energized when the machine stops. The coil of relay F is enrgized by the closing of switch 50 with the result that this relay is actuated to close the circuit between its terminals 6 and 8, and to open the circuit between its terminals 1 and 4. For the machine to run, the circuit between terminals l and 4 of relay F must remain open as otherwise, with this circuit closed, the stop motion apparatus 44 of the machine would be energized to stop the machine by line through the circuit between terminals 1 and 4, and then to ground. Should the fuse in box F be blown or should the transformer fail to provide power in line 56, then relay F will be de-energized and the machine will not be able to run because then the circuit between terminals 1 and 4 of relay F will be in its closed condition.

While the machine is running, should an arm 18 become unlatched for any reason, such as excess tension upon the yarn feeding through it or becuase of manual or accidental lowering of the arm, the latch 16 will be released and will make electrical contact with strip 17 to ground the same. This will cause the machine to be stopped in the following manner. The coil in relay D will be energized through the now grounded line 66 thereby causing its coil to open the circuit between terminals 5 and 8 and to close the circuit between terminals l and 3. At the same time, the coil of relay B will be energized through a first circuit of lines 66, 66a, the closed circuit between terminals 6 and 8 of relay l, and line 61 thereby causing the coil of relay B to close its circuits between terminals 6 and 8 and terminals 1 and 3. The coil of relay B is then also energized through a second circuit of its own closed circuit between terminals 6 and 8, closed terminals 46, 47 of seitch 45, closed circuit between terminals 5 and 8 of relay C, wire 63 to closed circuit between terminals 5 and 8 of relay L, wire 73 to closed circuit between terminals 6 and 8 of relay F, and then to ground. The coil of relay G is then energized through the closed circuit between terminals 1 and 3 of relay D and line 68 thereby causing its coil to close the circuit between terminals 6 and 8, and this, through wire 70, actuates the stop motion 44 of the machine to stop the same. It should be noted here that when the machine stops, the running circuit 43 is de-energized and this in turn deenergizes the coil in relay I with the result that this relay is operated to open the circuit between its terminals 8 and 6. The opening of the latter circuit in relay I will thereby open the first circuit by means of which the coil in relay B was energized, however, the coil in relay B will remain energized since the second circuit for energizing the same remains intact.

The coil in relay A is energized through the circuit extending between terminals 1 and 3 of relay D, wire 68 to terminals 48, 49 of closed switch 45, and wire 57 to terminal 2 of relay A, thereby operating relay A to close the circuit between its terminals 8 and 6, to close the circuit between its terminals 1 and 3,- and to open the circuit between its terminals 1 and 4. The closed circuit between terminals 1 and 3 turns on the red indicator light 40 to shown that the re-set cycle is in operation. With the closing of the circuit between terminals 8 and 6 of relay A, the coil of relay E is energized by line 58 to its terminal 2'. Line 58 also extends to terminal of relay E. Two seconds later the switch in relay E is closed, and this, through line 69, the circuit between terminals 1 and 4 of relay L, and line 75 to terminal 2' of relay K and to terminal 7 of relay J acts to energize the coils of relays K and J. The relay K is a second thermal delay relay so that 10 seconds after its coil is energized its switch will operate to close the circuit between its terminals 5' and 5', unless its coil is deenergized within the 10 second time limit.

' The energized coil in relay J acts to close the circuit between its terminals 1 and 3 and this supplies current from line 56 to start the motor 19. As the motor starts its first revolution, cam 27 moves away from holding switch 28a in open position and allows spring 28d to close the switch to its dotted line position wherein terminals 28b and 280 are in contact. Once such contact is established, current also flows to the motor from line 56 through closed switch 280, and thus, after the circuit between terminals 1 and 3 of relay J is opened to shut off current to the motor after the re-setting operation (which requires only one half revolution of the motor), the motor will continue to make the second half of its first revolution with current supplied through the closed switch 28a. At the end of such motor revolution, cam 27 will open switch 2 8a and the motor will stop.

The re-setting operation has caused latch 16 to be spaced from strip 17 thereby opening the circuit to relay D and de-ener'gizing its coil with the result that the c'ircuir between its terminals 5 and 8 is closed, and the circuit between terminals 1 and 3 is opened. This in turn causes r elay G to be de-energized and its circuit between terminals 8 and 6 to be opened, the opening of the latter circuit causes the line 70 to de-energize the machine stop motion apparatus 44. Relay A is also caused to be de-energized so that the circuit between its terminals 8 and 6 is opened, the circuit between its terminals 1 and 3 is opened, and the circuit between its terminals 1 and 4 is closed. De-energized relay A causes relay E to be de-energized so that its switch is opened and the circuit between its terminals 5' and 7' is opened. This deenergizes relay K before the 10 second time period has elapsed so its switch and the circuit between its terminals 5' and 7' remain open. This also de-energizes relay .1 thereby opening the circuit between terminala l and 3 to cut off current from line 56 to the motor, however, the motor continues to run with current supplies from line 56 through switch 280, as above set forth.

The coil in relay H is energized through line 67, the closed circuit between terminals 8 and 5 of deenergized relay D, line 62, the closed circuit between terminals 1 and 3 of still energized relay B, the closed circuit between terminal 1 of relay B and the terminal 4 of relay A, the closed circuit between terminals 4 and l of de-energized relay A to line 56. Two seconds after such energization of relay H, its switch and the circuit between terminals 5' and 7 close, thus energizing the coil of relay C by line 64 to its terminal 7, thereby opening the circuit between its terminals 8 and 5 and closing the circuit between its terminals 1 and 3. The closing of the latter circuit causes a connection across the lines 42a, 42b leading to starting switch 42, thereby re-starting the machine. When the circuit between terminals 8 and 5 of energized relay C is opened, this deenergizes relay B by opening up its aforesaid second energizing circuit, thereby opening the circuits between terminals 8 and 6, and the terminals 1 and 3 of relay B. The opening of the circuit between terminals 1 and 3 of de-energized relay B causes relay H to be deenergized and 2 seconds later its switch and the circuit between its terminals 5 and 7 are opened, thereby opening the circuit to the coil of relay C and deenergizing the same. When the machine was re-started, running circuit 43 of the machine was energized and this acted to reenergize relay I, and since relay F was never de-energized, the machine continues to run with all the relays de-energized except the relays F and I. The cycle of the control circuit of the present invention is now complete for those instances in which the resetting takes place during the first revolution of the motor 19.

In the event that motor 19 fails to re-set the apparatus, as above set forth, the relays J and K will remain energized as explained and the motor will continue to turn to try to re-set the apparatus. Should re-setting be not successful in a 10 second period, the switch between terminals 5 and 7' of relay K will close, thereby energizing relay L through lines 76, 77, closed contacts 54, 55 of switch 53, to terminal 2 of relay L. In energized relay L, the circuit between its terminals 8 and 5 is. opened, the circuit between its terminals 1 and 4 is opened, and the circuit between its terminals 1 and 3 is closed. The opening of the circuit between terminals 8 and 5 of relay L open up the aforesaid second circuit, by means of which relay B was energized, so that relay B is now de-energized. With relay B de-energized it will be noted that there can be no automatic re-starting of the machine. The opening of the circuit between terminals l and 4 of relay L caused relays J and K to be deenergized. Since the circuit between terminals land 3 of relay J is now open, the motor will stop when cam 27 opens the micro-switch 28a. Relay K being deenergized, its switch will return to open position and to ready for another timing cycle. The closing of the circuit between terminals 1 and 3 of relay L also caused the latter to be energized through line 69, the closed circuit between its terminals 1 and 3, line 77, and closed switch 53, so that relay L remains energized after the switch in relay K opens. Energized relay L, through line 77, the closed switch between terminals 5' and7' of relay M, and line 78 causes the coil of the latter relay to be enrgized and to turn on light 34. This results in intermittent opening and closing of the switch in relay M and consequent on and off flashing of light 34, thereby indicating that the apparatus did not re-set and that the attention of an operator is required.

After the operator has corrected the yarn problem, manual opening of switch 53 will cause the apparatus to automatically reset itself in the following manner. The opening of contact points 54, 55 of switch 53 will de-energize relay L thereby opening the circuit between its terminals 1 and 3 and closing the circuit between its terminals 1 and 4 thereby re-energizing relays K and J, as first explained. In relay J, the closing of the circuit between its termnals 1 and 3 will re-start the motor 19 which will now reset the arm during its first half revolution and the motor will be turned to zero position with the aid of micro-switch 28 and cam 27, as previously explained. When relay L was de-energized, the opening of the circuit between its terminals 1 and 3 acted to de-energize relay M and indicator light 34. Relay K will not be affected since the re-setting now takes place well within the second period. The resetting will break contact between latch 16 and strip 17, and the circuitry will operate as previously explained following such breaking of contact therebetween, with the exception that now the machine will have to be re-started by manual operation of the machine start switch since relay B is de-energized.

Following is a more general description of the operation of the re-set apparatus by the control circuit of the present invention.

With the machine running, switches 45, 50 in their closed positions, micro-switch in its open position as held by cam 27, stop motion circuit 44 in de-energized condition, latch 16 spaced from strip 17, and with green light 41 turned on (when switch 50 was closed), all of the relays are in de-energized condition with the exception of relays F and I. Relay F is energized from power line 56 and relay l is energized from machine circuit 43. When the other relays are energized they will use power from line 56. Then, when an arm 18 is pulled down the cycle of operations of the reset apparatus starts with electrical contact between a latch 16 and strip 17. Such contact causes relays D and B to be energized. Relay D is energized directly while relay B is energized by two circuits, the first thereof through relay 1 and the second thereof being through the now energized relay B itself, switch 45, relay C, relay L and relay F, to ground. Energized relay D acts to energize relay G directly with energized relay G acting to energize the machine stop motion 44 to stop the machine. When the machine is stopped, relay l is de-energized (no longer getting current from de-energized lines 43) thereby opening the first circuit used to energize relay B, however, relay B remains energized through the aforesaid second circuit used to energize it. Energized relay D also acts to energize relay A through switch 45. Energized relay A acts directly to turn on red light 40, and to energize relay E. Two seconds later, relay E, acting through relay L, energizes relays J and K. Energized relay J starts motor 19 turning to reset arm 18. As the motor starts to turn, cam 27 acts to close switch 28a thereby giving the motor a second line of power which will continue until cam 27 makes a full revolution and re-opens switch 28a. After one half turn of the motor, arm 18 is re-set and contact is broken between latch 16 and strip 17. Such broken contact causes the deenergization of relays D, G, A, E, K and J, the deenergization of relay G causing de-energization of machine stop motion circuit 44. Since relay J is deenergized before the motor has made its first full turn, the motor continues to complete such turn with power supplied through closed switch 280, the motor then shutting itself off when cam 27 opens switch 28a. The de-energization of relay A turns off red light 40. Relay K performed no function and is not changed since the re-setting took place in less than 10 seconds. Now, relay B is still energized, and relay H is energized through de-energied relay D, relay B, and de-energized relay A. Two seconds later, relay H acts directly to energize relay C, and the latter acts to energize the starting switch 42 thereby to re-start the machine, the energized relay C also acting to de-energize relay B through switch 45. The de-energized relay B acts to de-encrgize relay H and 2 seconds later relay H acts to de-energize relay C. When the machine was re-started, relay l was re-energized from circuit 43 of the machine. The cycle is finished, the machine is running and the circuitry is ready for the next cycle thereof with only relays F and I in energized condition. It may be noted that relay F remains energized at all times so long as switch 50 is closed and there is power in line 56. It may also be noted that relays L and M and light 34 were not energized and this is because the re-setting of arm 18 took place well within the 10 second time for relay K to become active. It may be further noted that there can be no automatic re-starting of the machine unless relay B remains energized as it must be in order that relay H may be energized, for it is relay H which energizes relay C to re-start the machine.

Now, in the event that the yarn is caught and the motor is unable (due to clutch slippage) to re-set the yarn arm on the first turn of the motor, contact will be retained between latch 16 and strip 17 with the result that relays D, G, A, E, K and J will not be de-energized. Motor 19, with the clutch slipping, will continue to turn to try to turn the yarn arm 18 to free the yarn and to reset the arm, the power for the motor coming through relay J. Motor 19 will continue to turn a number of times during the 10 seconds it takes for the switch in relay K to close, thereafter relay K will act to energize relay L. In the event that re-setting of the arm was successful before the switch in relay K closed (that is during the 10 seconds), then relay L would not be energized and the remainder of the cycle would take place as previously explained just as though the re-setting took place during the first turn of the motor. However, the relay L, when energized, will de-energize relays J and K and relay J will no longer supply current to turn the motor which will be turned to its zero position with power supplied through the micro-switch. The deenergized relay K is ready for another timing cycle. The energized relay L breaks the aforesaid second circuit which energizes relay B with the result that relay B is de-energized with automatic re-starting of the machine no longer possible. Energized relay L acts to energize flasher relay M which intermittently energizes red light 34 to flash on and off to call the attention of an operator to the stopped machine. After the caught yarn, or other trouble, is corrected, switch 53 may be manually opened to de-energize relay L and thereby to deenergize relay M and turn off light 34. Then, the still energized relay E acting through de-energized relay L re-energizes relays K and J. Energized relay J, in the manner previously explained, energizes the motor to automatically re-set arm 18 thereby to break contact between latch 16 and strip 17. Thereafter, the procedure is as previously explained after the loss of contact between latch 16 and strip 17 but with one difference. Since relay B was de-energized when relay L was energized, there is no automatic re-starting of the machine after the automatic re-setting of the yarn arm, and the machine must be re-started by hand operation of switch 42. It may be noted that there are certain safety features in the present circuitry. If, at any time during the cycle of operations of the circuit, either switch 45 or 50 is opened during the seconds it takes for relay K to close its switch,.relay B will be de-energized since the opening of switch 45 will open the circuit (between relays B and C) holding relay B in energized condition, and, in like manner, opening of switch 50 will deenergize relay F thereby also to open another part of the circuit holding relay B in energized condition. Also, if the machine is stopped for any reason by its own stop motion circuit 44 (and not by contact between latch 16 and strip 17), there can be no automatic re-starting of the machine in the event that contact is later made between latch 16 and strip 17 (by accidental lowering of an arm 18) while the machine is so stopped because the stopping of the machine de-energized relay 1 with the result that relay B cannot then be energized through a de-energized relay I when such later contact is made between latch 16 and strip 17. Thus the machine can only be re-started automatically after it has been stopped by the resetting apparatus itself. It may be further pointed out that when the machine is stopped so there can be no automatic restarting thereof, still the circuit does provide for re-setting of any lowered yarn arms either automatically or with the aid of the manually operated switch 53. It may also be noted that while the present control circuit actuates the conventional stop motion system of the machine to stop the same and actuates the conventional starting system of the machine to re-start the same, in the Levin and Oliver U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,113 the control circuit is connected directly to the conventional motor starting circuit of the machine thereby to stop and to re-start the machine.

We claim:

1. Electrically operated circuit to control the operations of apparatus of the type used with a knitting machine to automatically stop and to automatically restart the operation of the same, said machine having at least one yarn fed thereto when it is in operation and said apparatus having an arm to so feed said yarn, said machine having an electrically operated stop motion system and stop motion devices by means ofwhich the operation of said machine is stopped when said system is actuated by said devices, said machine also having an electrically operated starting circuit by means of which the machine is placed in operation when said starting circuit is energized, said control circuit being connected to said stop motion system to also actuate the latter to stop the operation of said machine, said control circuit also being connected to said starting circuit to energize the latter to place said machine in operation, said arm being movable back and forth between first and second positions thereof and being operable in its said second position to cause said control circuit to actuate said stop motion system to stop the operation of said machine, said apparatus having means to apply force to said arm to move the same from its said second position thereby to re-set the same in its said first position, said arm in its said first position feeding said yarn to said machine when the latter is in operation and being movable therefrom by said yarn to its said second position when said yarn is excessively tensioned, said arm thereby causing said control circuit to actuate said stop motion system to stop the operation of said machine and the feeding of said yarn thereto, said control circuit then causing said apparatus to automatically reset said arm and then to energize said starting circuit to automatically re-start the operation of said machine.

2. Control circuit as in claim 1 wherein the operation of said machine is automatically re-started when the same has been stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said control circuit and not when the operation of said machine has been stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said stop motion devices.

3. Control circuit as in claim 2 wherein said arm resetting function of said control circuit remains unaffected when the operation of said machine has been stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said stop motion devices.

4. Control circuit as in claim 2 wherein said machine also has an electrical running circuit which is energized when said machine is in operation and which is deenergized whenthe operation of said machine is stopped, wherein said control circuit has a first relay therein, wherein said running and said control circuits are connected whereby said first relay is energized by said energized running circuit when said machine is in operation and wherein said first relay is de-energized when the operation of said machine is stopped.

5. Control circuit as in claim 4 wherein said control circuit has a second relay therein, wherein said second relay is caused to be energized through said first relay when the operation of said machine is stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said control circuit, said second relay remaining in energized condition after the operation of said machine is stopped, and wherein said second relay is not energized when the operation of said machine is stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said stop motion devices.

6. Control circuit as in claim 5 wherein said energized second relay causes said control circuit to energize said starting circuit thereby to automatically restart the operation of said machine, said control circuit being unable to automatically restart the operation of said machine when said second relay is not energized.

7. Control circuit as in claim 1 wherein said force to re-set said arm is yieldable in nature, wherein said yarn prevents said force from re-setting said arm when said force is unable to free said yarn from said tension without breakingthe same thereby to prevent said control circuit from operating said apparatus to automatically re-set said arm and to automatically re-start said machine, wherein said control apparatus then causes said apparatus to repeatedly apply said force to said arm to free said yarn from said tension and to re-set the same, and wherein said control circuit causes said apparatus to cease such applications of said force to said arm after a number thereof have not resulted in the resetting of said arm.

8. Control circuit as in claim 7 wherein said control circuit is manually operable to cause said apparatus to automatically reset said arm after said yarn has been made free of said tension.

9. Control circuit as in claim 8 wherein said control circuit is prevented from operating said apparatus to automatically restart the operation of said machine after said arm has been re-set by said manual operation of said control circuit.

10. Apparatus used with a knitting machine to stop and to automatically re-start the same, said apparatus having means to feed at least one yarn to said machine, said yarn feeding means being movable out of and into normal yarn feeding position, said yarn feeding means being movable out of said normal yarn feeding position by said yarn and being movable into said normal yarn feeding position by automatic operation of said apparatus, said machine having an electrically operated stop circuit to stop said machine when said stop circuit is energized, said machine having an electrically operated start circuit to start said machine when said start circuit is energized, said machine having stop motion devices operable to energize said stop circuit thereby to stop said machine, said apparatus being operable to also energize said stop circuit thereby to stop said machine when said yarn feeding means is moved out of its said normal yarn feeding position by said yarn, said apparatus being operable to automatically energize said start circuit thereby to automatically re-start said machine when said yarn feeding means is moved into its said normal yarn feeding position by automatic operation of said apparatus, and the improvement in said apparatus which comprises means to so automatically energize said start circuit by operation of said apparatus only after said machine has been stopped by energization of said stop circuit by operation of said apparatus thereby to automatically rc-start said machine only after the latter has been stopped by operation of said apparatus and wherein said machine cannot be automatically rcstarted by operation of said apparatus after said machine has been stopped by energization of said stop circuit by said stop motion devices. 

1. Electrically operated circuit to control the operations of apparatus of the type used with a knitting machine to automatically stop and to automatically re-start the operation of the same, said machine having at least one yarn fed thereto when it is in operation and said apparatus having an arm to so feed said yarn, said machine having an electrically operated stop motion system and stop motion devices by means of which the operation of said machine is stopped when said system is actuated by said devices, said machine also having an electrically operated starting circuit by means of which the machine is placed in operation when said starting circuit is energized, said control circuit being connected to said stop motion system to also actuate the latter to stop the operation of said machine, said control circuit also being connected to said starting circuit to energize the latter to place said machine in operation, said arm being movable back and forth between first and second positions thereof and being operable in its said second position to cause said control circuit to actuate said stop motion system to stop the operation of said machine, said apparatus having means to apply force to said arm to move the same from its said second position thereby to re-set the same in its said first position, said arm in its said first position feeding said yarn to said machine when the latter is in operation and being movable therefrom by said yarn to its said second position when said yarn is excessively tensioned, said arm thereby causing said control circuit to actuate said stop motion system to stop the operation of said machine and the feeding of said yarn thereto, said control circuit then causing said apparatus to automatically re-set said arm and then to energize said starting circuit to automatically re-start the operation of said machine.
 2. Control circuit as in claim 1 wherein the operation of said machine is automatically re-started when the same has been stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said control circuit and not when the operation of said machine has been stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said stop motion devices.
 3. Control circuit as in claim 2 wherein said arm re-setting function of said control circuit remains unaffected when the operation of said machine has been stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said stop motion devices.
 4. Control circuit as in claim 2 wherein said machine also has an electrical running circuit which is energized when said machine is in operation and which is de-energized when the operation of said machine is stopped, wherein said control circuit has a first relay therein, wherein said running and said control circuits are connected whereby said first relay is energized by said energized running circuit when said machine is in operation and wherein said first relay is de-energized when the operation of said machine is stopped.
 5. Control circuit as in claim 4 wherein said control circuit has a second relay therein, wherein said second relay is caused to be energized through said first relay when the operation of said machine is stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said control circuit, said second relay remaining in energized condition after the operation of said machine is stopped, and wherein said second relay is not energized when the operation of said machine is stopped by the actuation of said stop motion system by said stop motion devices.
 6. Control circuit as in claim 5 wherein said energized second relay causes said control circuit to energize said starting circuit thereby to automatically re-start the operation of said machine, said control circuit being unable to automatically restart the operation of said machine when said second relay is not energized.
 7. Control circuit as in claim 1 wherein said force to re-set said arm is yieldable in nature, wherein said yarn prevents said force from re-setting said arm when said force is unable to free said yarn from said tension without breaking the same thereby to prevent said control circuit from operating said apparatus to automatically re-set said arm and to automatically re-start said machine, wherein said control apparatus then causes said apparatus to repeatedly apply said force to said arm to free said yarn from said tension and to re-set the same, and wherein said control circuit causes said apparatus to cease such applications of said force to said arm after a number thereof have not resulted in the re-setting of said arm.
 8. Control circuit as in claim 7 wherein said control circuit is manually operable to cause said apparatus to automatically reset said arm after said yarn has been made free of said tension.
 9. Control circuit as in claim 8 wherein said control circuit is prevented from operating said apparatus to automatically restart the operation of said machine after said arm has been re-set by said manual operation of said control circuit.
 10. Apparatus used with a knitting machine to stop and to automatically re-start the same, said apparatus having means to feed at least one yarn to said machIne, said yarn feeding means being movable out of and into normal yarn feeding position, said yarn feeding means being movable out of said normal yarn feeding position by said yarn and being movable into said normal yarn feeding position by automatic operation of said apparatus, said machine having an electrically operated stop circuit to stop said machine when said stop circuit is energized, said machine having an electrically operated start circuit to start said machine when said start circuit is energized, said machine having stop motion devices operable to energize said stop circuit thereby to stop said machine, said apparatus being operable to also energize said stop circuit thereby to stop said machine when said yarn feeding means is moved out of its said normal yarn feeding position by said yarn, said apparatus being operable to automatically energize said start circuit thereby to automatically re-start said machine when said yarn feeding means is moved into its said normal yarn feeding position by automatic operation of said apparatus, and the improvement in said apparatus which comprises means to so automatically energize said start circuit by operation of said apparatus only after said machine has been stopped by energization of said stop circuit by operation of said apparatus thereby to automatically re-start said machine only after the latter has been stopped by operation of said apparatus and wherein said machine cannot be automatically re-started by operation of said apparatus after said machine has been stopped by energization of said stop circuit by said stop motion devices. 